Must-know shipping deadlines for last-minute holiday shopping

iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Christmas falls on a Monday this year, which is good news if you’re planning to hit the stores over the weekend. But if you’re planning to buy online or ship, the deadlines are creeping up.

With more than 2 billion packages going out this holiday, your safest and cheapest bet is to take care of business now, ABC News chief business correspondent Rebecca Jarvis said.

Here are Jarvis’ top tips for securing the perfect gifts for everyone on your list at the very last minute.

Order by Dec. 19

If you’re ordering online, many retailers have Dec. 19 as the cut-off date for standard shipping. It’s a good idea to double-check, though, because a few retailers have Dec. 18 as the cut-off, Jarvis said.

If you are sending the gift yourself, today is also an important deadline for the least expensive options to get it there by Christmas.

Consumer Reports analyzed USPS, FedEx and UPS delivery services and prices for deliveries between 30 pairs of cities and found that if cost is your main concern, the postal service is often the way to go. If you’re really leaving things to the last minute and you need a service that delivers on Christmas day, your best bet is the U.S. Postal Service.

The USPS’ priority mail express money-back guaranteed delivery service operates 365 days a year, including Christmas day in many markets, Jarvis explained. There’s a $12.50 surcharge for this.

You have until Friday, Dec. 22, for Priority Mail Express to deliver by Christmas Day, Dec. 25, Jarvis said.

Best option overall for last-minute shoppers

If you are late in the game, Jarvis said, Amazon is your other best option, besides heading to the stores.

Dec. 22 is the cutoff for two-day shipping, which is free for Amazon Prime members.

Dec. 23 is the cutoff for one-day shipping, which is available for some cities but is free for Prime members.

Dec. 24 is the cutoff for same-day delivery and two-hour delivery.

Consumer website BestBlackFriday.com rounded up a list of the last day you can order from many popular online retailers in order to ensure that your purchase is delivered by Christmas.

This roundup is also useful for planning purposes, but be sure to double-check the delivery details of your order before making a purchase. A full list of deadlines can be found on Best Black Friday’s website.

Amazon

Dec. 15: This is the last day you can order from Amazon and have your items ship for free — with a $25 minimum purchase — and ensure they are delivered before Christmas.Dec. 18: This is the last day you can order from Amazon and have your items ship with the standard shipping option and still ensure they are delivered before Christmas.Dec. 22: This is the last day you can order with two-day shipping and have your items arrive in time for Christmas.Dec. 23 and 24: Amazon offers same-day or two-hour delivery options in some cities, although the shipping cost may be much higher.

Best Buy

Dec. 19: This marks the last day that you can order large home delivery items and ensure their arrival by Christmas.Dec. 20: 10:30 a.m. CT on this day marks the last time that you can order most items and ensure their delivery by Christmas.Dec. 24: If you order your items before noon on this day with same-day delivery, you may be able to ensure their arrival before Christmas. In addition, if you order online before 4 p.m. on this day with the in-store pickup option, you may also be able to get your items before Christmas.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dec. 18: If you order online by 11:59 p.m. ET on this day with the free standard shipping option, your purchases should arrive in time for Christmas.Dec. 19: If you order online by 11:59 p.m. ET on this day with the expedited shipping option, your purchases should arrive in time for Christmas.Dec. 20: If you order online by 9 a.m. PT on this day with the express shipping option, your order should arrive in time for Christmas.

JCPenney

Dec. 20: This marks the last day that you can order online from the website and have your purchases arrive in time for Christmas.

Old Navy

Dec. 19: If you order online by 11:59 p.m. ET on this day, and spend a minimum of $50, the retailer will ship your items for free in time for Christmas.Dec. 20: If you order online by 2:59 p.m. ET on this day with the two-day shipping option, your items should arrive in time for Christmas.Dec. 21: If you order online by 2:59 p.m. ET on this day with the one-day shipping option, your items should arrive in time for Christmas.

Toys “R” Us

Dec. 18: If you order online by 11:59 p.m. ET on this day, the toy retailer says they will deliver your purchase in time for Christmas.Dec. 20: If you order online by 3 p.m. ET on this day with the expedited shipping option, your order should arrive in time for Christmas.Dec. 20: If you order online by 11:59 p.m. ET on this day with the express shipping option, your order should arrive in time for Christmas.Dec. 24: If you order online by noon ET on Christmas Eve and select the in-store pickup option, you should be able to receive your purchase in time for Christmas.

Walmart

Dec. 13: This marks the last day that you can order from their website and ensure delivery before Christmas with the cheaper, freight, delivery option.Dec. 19: This marks the last day you can order from their website and ensure delivery before Christmas with their standard delivery option.Dec. 21: This marks the last day that you can order from their website and ensure delivery before Christmas with their pricier rush delivery option.